Richard's Tram Blog: May 2014

Monday, May 26, 2014

MANCHESTER FAREWELL OF T68s MONDAY 26 MAY 2014 - Keith Chadbourne

I attach three pictures taken today on the Farewell Tour of the T68s. The route was Piccadilly Station to Eccles; Eccles toMediaCity; MediaCity to Bury and then to Altrincham. I only photographed on the leg from Piccadilly to Eccles and MediaCity to Exchange Quay which took the best part of 2 hours. I then left them to it and came home.

Leaving Pomona and crossing the Ship Canal

on Eccles New Rd on route to MediaCity

Sunday, May 25, 2014

NOTTINGHAM ON SUNDAY 25 MAY 2014 - John Henderson

Due to the closure of the Market Square in Nottingham for the Milk Race, the opportunity to replace tram rail at the entrance to Station Street Viaduct has been undertaken, along with the connection of overhead wiring at the Station Street terminus over the new station viaduct.

Trams have been turning short at the Royal Centre, and using the cross over.

The out of town Royal Centre tram stop has today had Citadis 219 occupying this space, and the public has been allowed to view their new trams. Training staff were on hand to answer any questions.

Meanwhile, a staff member has the frequent task of changing the points by hand on the cross over, allowing service trams to revert the the correct side of the road.

Images show the day's events, including the Citadis with the Alstom liveried Incentro next to it!

NOTTINGHAM W/C 18 MAY 21014 - Frank Bagshaw

Frank Bagshaw was in Nottingham last week looking for Citadis trams on test. Here are photos of new tram 217 passing the Arboretum and at Goose Fair site with an Incentro in yellow advertising livery.

At Goosefair

Passing Arboretum

Saturday, May 24, 2014

ACTUAL SEASIDE - BLACKPOOL ON 24 MAY 2014

Took a risk on the weather and went to Blackpool for the Heritage running day today. We arrived at 1100 to fine but dull weather, which then became very wet from 1430. There seemed to be a very good turnout of spotters despite the weather forecast. The only problem is that I still haven't ridden on one of the new trams, ce la vie! An excuse to visit again. (by the way the Blackpool donkeys went home early due to the weather).

Very frequent service on the Flexcitys and well patronised too

Service trams crossing at Talbot Square/North Pier

Just managed to get a ride on the open topper before the rain started

167 at the crossover at North Pier. We later rode all the way to Thornton Gate and return on 167.

147 and 167 at Pleasure Beach

and again (147 later broke down at Bispham)

Open topper gone to depot and 717 in replacement went to Cabin

Liked the light fittings on 717

BESIDETHE SEASIDE AT CRICH on 24 MAY 2014 - Hazel Quarmby

The organ is outside the Exhibition Hall where it used to be on show.

We managed to be on 711 for its first passenger journey.

The organ which used to be in the Exhibition Hall

SHEFFIELD EVENT AT CRICH WITH TWO OLD FRIENDS - Frank Bagshaw

Last week at Crich, during the Sheffield event, two "old friends" reappeared. Sheffield 330 was run on the track - seen here with 510 at Town End. Also. Sheffield 189 emerged and although not currently a "runner," it was manned by the TSO and used to recruit new members to that worthwhile fundraising organisation.